Pedro Almodovar cups his bosom to signify that his muse, Penelope Cruz, breastfeeds on his way into the Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit: A Tribute to Pedro Almodovar sponsored by Chanel held Tuesday in NYC.

“She wanted to experience being a mother in the most complete way,” the Spanish director says. “She’s feeding her baby [cups breast]. She has the baby with herself.”

Even though Penelope, 37, has her hands full with actor husband Javier Bardem, 42, and their 9-month-old son Leo, she still makes time for the man whose films – including Broken Embraces, Volver, All About My Mother and Live Flesh – featured her as the star over the past two decades.

“Today I see her,” he says. “She sends me photos of the baby every 15 days. I see how he’s growing, and he’s doing very well. He has an incredible, big mouth. You cannot imagine. He’s beautiful, gorgeous and big. She’s shooting – that’s why she cannot be here. She’s shooting in Italy.”

In fact, Penelope is more content than ever.

“She’s more happy now,” he says. “She’s better than always. She’s with a man that she loves, and having a baby.”